Archivists (principal contacts for advice on the collection):
Various; send an email to the main address above, and it appears to be directed appropriately. The response you receive will come from a specific person.

Hours and usage restrictions

As of August 2008, the library is open 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 12:45 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. Monday through Friday. They do not offer weekend hours, and researchers MUST leave during the lunch hour.

Many of the holdings were donated and may have usage restrictions; check specific finding aids for details.

Collection Summary

Usage Discussion

Suggestions for approaching the material:

Email the facility first, and review their website in detail. In addition to the alphabetical finding aids, the subject guides are incredibly useful. When you get there, make sure to talk to the archivists first -- their knowledge of the material is phenomenal!

Housing and getting by for less in the area:

Abilene's Victorian Inn [1] has a policy of turning away gay couples. The policy is stated euphemistically on their website ("Overnight accommodations for singles and traditional couples." [2]). In June 2010, it prompted a complaint on TripAdvisor [3]. The innkeepers explained to me (Amy Offner, Columbia University) that this was their policy when I visited Abilene in June-July 2010.

Another B&B on the Abilene Convention and Visitor's Bureau website also references a special researcher rate. The cheapest option seems to be the Diamond Motel ($40 with AAA; www.diamondmotel.com), located in a residential area of town (nice and quiet). Each room has a fridge and some have microwaves (there's not much to eat in Abilene in the evenings besides fast food, but the grocery store is open til 10, 7 days a week). Surprisingly, the best coffee in town was the dark roast at the gas station across from the motel.
Like most towns in the Midwest, everyone drives and few people take public transportation (even where it exists). Abilene is no different.

Eisenhower Foundation has a “Host Committee” that offers free support services:
-pick up/return to Junction City when using Road Runner Express from MCI
-foundation bicycle use for local transport
-dinner with Host Committee members at a local restaurant
-assistance making physician appts in Abilene
Eisenhower Foundation: PO Box 295, 200 SE 4th Street, Abilene, 67410 (785.263.6700 – eisenhowerfoundation@nara.gov)

Also note: you have to do an application (available online) and get a card when you arrive.

There are lockers outside the research room, and they are free to use. You will check in with the receptionist on the first floor when you arrive.